To commemorate World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO, FAO and UNDP, in partnership with the School of Media and Journalism of the National University of Samoa, organized a seminar that brought together Communication Officers from Government Ministries and Media Representatives.

With 2016 as the official year to strengthen global commitments on sustainable development through the promotion of 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Country Team in Samoa and NUS agreed to host this event to highlight the significance of the media in development and its many functions that can further the cause of improving the quality of life.

Niue’s unique natural environment and ecosystem provide for food security, drinking water and economic livelihood for the raised atoll’s population of over 1,600 people. The sustainability of the country, and the opportunities for its future generations, rely on the conservation and sustainable management of its remarkable natural resources.

Eleven female and nine male learned the traditional skills of siapo production, mat weaving, wood carving and canoe making. The skills training course was implemented as part of the Government of Samoa and One-UN Youth Employment Programme, with financial support being provided by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).